Wenger: I won't panic

30 Aug 2013 14:01:54

Manager Arsene Wenger maintains Arsenal will not 'panic buy' as they look to strengthen a depleted squad in the closing days of the transfer window.

With Germany forward Lukas Podolski, set for up to three months out because of a hamstring injury, joining England midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Mikel Arteta on the sidelines, Wenger has seen his options further reduced, despite Mathieu Flamini rejoining the club on Thursday.

Arsenal, who failed in bids for Gonzalo Higuain, Luis Suarez and Yohan Cabaye earlier this summer, but did complete a free transfer of France Under-21 forward Yaya Sanogo, continue to be linked with the likes of Karim Benzema, Mesut Ozil and Angel Di Maria at Real Madrid, along with St Etienne defensive midfielder Joshua Guilavogui among others.

Wenger, though, insisted as he prepared his side for Sunday's north London derby against Tottenham, who have spent big this summer, that he was not about to embark upon a mad rush for any last-minute additions.

"We will not panic buy, that is for sure. You can believe me. It is not in my strengths to panic," said Wenger, who expects both midfielders Jack Wilshere and Aaron Ramsey to be available this weekend.

"You need good players in every position, and especially you need an attitude and way to play the game. The players here know the way we want to play and that is important.

"If we can add players who can integrate with that style of play we will do it.

"We work very hard on that, if we cannot we will not do anything stupid just for the sake of saying that we have done something.